Aaron Thompson & Jessica King Announce New Hospitality Concept for Former RALA Space 

Last week we lamented the news that RALA, the long-running local art and gift shop at 112 West Jackson Ave., will move its business online at the end of the year. This week, we get to pivot from grief to giddiness: the space’s future is in good hands.

Jessica King and Aaron Thompson – the award-winning duo behind RALA’s next-door neighbors to the east (refined Northern Italian restaurant Osteria Stella and Italian aperitivo bar Brother Wolf) as well as modern French brasserie Lilou up on Gay Street – will be reinventing the former RALA storefront as a brand-new elevated cocktail bar experience.

I caught up with the couple yesterday, and while the concept is still in early development, they shared what we can expect: a continuation of the thru-thread that defines all their spaces. Think artistic drink-making, meticulously curated menus, thoughtful design and a transportive atmosphere where every detail is intentional. 

“It’s really early and still pretty fresh for us,” Jessica said. “We haven’t known for very long that Nanci [Solomon, RALA owner] was closing her brick-and-mortar. When her space came available we jumped on the opportunity because we love our neighborhood, we love our space and our block, and we love working with our landlord Jon Clark.” 

Jon has been instrumental in shaping multiple pockets of downtown, including but not limited to the Daniel Building (really a trio of connected buildings) that now houses Brother Wolf, Osteria Stella and RALA. IOK chronicled the redevelopment in 2015 and again in 2016, when its first retail tenants and residents were preparing to move in.

“We’ve been tenants of Jon for going-on five years now, and he is just the easiest-going, best landlord we’ve ever had by far,” Jessica said. “He was a great resource for us when we were moving into the space originally. He’s just wonderful.” 

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about corporate creep. As rents rise across the urban core, its underlying economics increasingly require deep pockets and a risk tolerance that small businesses oftentimes cannot afford. I think it’s worth singing the praises of landlords who demonstrate commitment to local businesses, and to local businesses who choose to invest or continue investing in downtown.

“We’ve always aimed to give Knoxville experiences that feel timeless yet completely fresh,” said Aaron. “This new bar is an opportunity to push boundaries, both creatively and technically, while still honoring the classic traditions that inspire us.”

We look forward to it!

P.S. Brother Wolf’s beloved Christmas-themed pop-up, Miracle at the Old City, is in full swing. With kitschy holiday décor, expertly crafted cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to make even the grouchiest Grinch’s heart grow three sizes. Brother Wolf returns to its regularly scheduled programming on Jan. 2.